ZNS anti-smuggling measures rile Mpezeni

PARAMOUNT Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni People of is saddened with the way Zambia National Service (ZNS) Personnel is beating and harassing people suspected of smuggling maize into neighbouring Malawi.

Chief Mpezeni said he feels it is not right to beat and harass people in as much as he does not support maize smuggling.

He said the anti-maize smuggling task force should exercise civility in the manner they deal with people found engaging in the illegality.

“I have been receiving numerous reports of headmen and other people being beaten, harassed and having their maize ceased. I am worried with such reports and want to appeal to the President to put a stop to such acts,” Chief Mpezeni said.

He said this on Wednesday when Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo paid a courtesy call on him at his palace.

Chief Mpezeni said that he supports Government’s stance on curbing maize smuggling because it is being done to promote food security.

Chief Mpezeni also said government should consider setting up a board that will be responsible for selling fertiliser to farmers at a cheaper price if is to control the sale of maize.

He said the board will enable other private players in the market to reduce the price of fertiliser.

And Mr Katambo assured the traditional leader that government will consider addressing his concerns.

“Your highness I want to assure you that I will take all your concerns to President Lungu, we value the role you play in national development. We have set up anti-maize smuggling squads in all borders across the country so that we curb smuggling to protect the low food reserves we have from depleting completely,” Mr Katambo said.